External video mixing control

ABSTRACT

Techniques for allowing a gaming machine to exercise control over a picture-in-picture device (PIP mixer). A gaming machine includes a display device, a master game controller, the PIP mixer, and a PIP control interface. The master gaming controller is configured to execute a wager game, send a first video signal for the wager game to the PIP mixer, and send control instructions for controlling a display of one or more PIP windows to the PIP mixer via the PIP control interface. The PIP mixer receives the first video signal and a second video signal from an external source. The PIP mixer is configured to create a composite video image that includes display data of first video signal and the second video signal in PIP windows based on the control instructions. The composite video image is displayed on the display device.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,640, which wasfiled on Jun. 28, 2012, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/502,814, which was filed on Jun.29, 2011, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wager-based gaming machines,and more specifically to the presentation of video data and the receiptof user input at wager-based gaming machines.

BACKGROUND

There are a wide variety of associated devices that can be connected toa gaming machine such as a slot machine or video poker machine. Someexamples of these devices are lights, ticket printers, card readers,speakers, bill validators, ticket readers, coin acceptors, displaypanels, key pads, coin hoppers and button pads. Many of these devicesare built into the gaming machine or components associated with thegaming machine such as a top box which usually sits on top of the gamingmachine.

Typically, utilizing a master gaming controller, the gaming machinecontrols various combinations of devices that allow a player to play agame on the gaming machine and also encourage game play on the gamingmachine. For example, a game played on a gaming machine usually involvesa player inputting money or indicia of credit into the gaming machine,indicating a wager amount, and initiating a game play. The gamingmachine is configured to control input devices, including billvalidators and coin acceptors, to accept money into the gaming machineand recognize user inputs from devices, including key pads and buttonpads, to determine the wager amount and initiate game play. After gameplay has been initiated, the gaming machine determines a game outcome,presents the game outcome to the player and may dispense an award ofsome type depending on the outcome of the game.

A gaming entity may provide gaming services to tens of thousands ofusers. For instance, a single land-based casino may include thousands ofgaming machines. Player's gaming interests are constantly changing andthe effort associated with providing fresh content to users is quitecostly. The ability of a casino operator to maximize their operatingprofits and keep their customers happy is directly linked to theirability to provide new and desirable content. In view of the above, itwould be desirable to provide gaming apparatus and methods that providecontent to gaming machines from remote servers.

SUMMARY

Various implementations described or referenced herein are directed togaming machines and methods implementing and using techniques forallowing a gaming machine to exercise control over a picture-in-picturedevice (or PIP mixer).

The PIP mixer receives a first video signal from the gaming machine anda second video signal from an external source. The PIP mixer may combinedisplay data of the first video signal and the second video signal invarious ways, such as in one or PIP windows. A PIP control interfaceallows the gaming machine to communicate with the PIP mixer. Via the PIPcontrol interface, the gaming machine sends instructions to the PIPmixer for combining the display data.

In various implementations, the instructions may specify for theconfiguration or the display of the PIP windows. The instructions maycome directly from the gaming machine. Alternatively, the instructionsmay originate as a request from a server or the external source. Whenthe instructions do not originate from the gaming machine, the gamingmachine may determine whether to fulfill the request. In one example,the determination may be based on the status of the gaming machine or ofa wager game being executed on the gaming machine. When the gamingmachine determines to fulfill the request, it may transmit anappropriate instruction to the PIP mixer via the PIP control interface.

In some implementations, a gaming machine (or EGM or gaming device)includes a display device, a master game controller, the PIP mixer, anda PIP control interface. The master gaming controller is configured toexecute a wager game, which may result in the generation of an EGM videosignal that includes display data for a wager game image. The mastergaming controller is further configured to send the EGM video signal tothe PIP mixer and to send control instructions for controlling a displayof one or more PIP windows to the PIP mixer via the PIP controlinterface.

The PIP mixer includes an external source video input, an EGM videoinput and a PIP controller. The external source video input isconfigured to receive an external source video signal from an externalsource, the external source video signal including display data for thean external source image. The EGM video input is configured to receivethe EGM video signal from the gaming machine. The PIP controller isconfigured to receive the external source video signal from the externalsource video input, receive the EGM video signal from the EGM videoinput, and receive the control instructions from the gaming machine viathe PIP control interface. The control instructions provide for thecreation of a composite video signal including display data for acomposite video image. The composite video image includes the wager gameimage in a first PIP window and the external source image in one or moreadditional PIP windows. The PIP controller is further configured tocreate the composite video signal based on the control instructions, andsend the composite video signal to the display device.

In some implementations, the gaming machine further includes a PUIperipheral interface configured to enable communication between theexternal source and the PIP mixer. The PIP controller is furtherconfigured to: receive peripheral instructions from the external sourcevia the PUI peripheral interface, the peripheral instructions providingfor the creation of the composite video signal; request an approval fromthe gaming machine to use the peripheral instructions; and responsive toreceiving the approval, create the composite video signal in accordancewith the peripheral instructions.

In some implementations, the master gaming controller of the gamingmachine is further configured to: receive a request to configure a PIPwindow, wherein a configuration of a PIP window defines a size and alocation of the PIP window on the display device; determine whether tofulfill the request based on a status of the wager game or a status ofthe gaming machine; and responsive to determining to fulfill therequest, send the control instructions to the PIP mixer, the controlinstructions including an instruction for configuring the PIP windowaccording to the request.

In some implementations, the request to configure the PIP window isreceived from the external source. The request may be received at theEGM from the external source via the PIP mixer. The request to configurethe PIP window may also be received from a system host, or other server,communicatively connected with the gaming machine.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured to:responsive to receiving the control instructions for configuring the PIPwindow, store the configuration of the PIP window in a memory.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured to:responsive to a request from the external source, send the configurationof the PIP window to the external source; or responsive to a requestfrom a system host or the gaming machine, send the configuration of thePIP window to the system host or the gaming machine.

In some implementations, the master gaming controller of the gamingmachine is further configured to: receive a request to control a PIPwindow; determine whether to fulfill the request based on a status ofthe wager game or a status of the gaming machine; and responsive todetermining to fulfill the request, send the control instructions to thePIP mixer, the control instructions including an instruction forcontrolling the display of the PIP window according to the request.

In some implementations, the control instructions indicate opening,closing, creating, destroying, configuring, sizing, resizing, moving,location, hiding, displaying, vertical ordering, or content of the PIPwindow in the composite screen image.

In some implementations, the request to control the PIP window isreceived from the external source. The request may be received at theEGM from the external source via the PIP mixer. The request to controlthe PIP window may also be received from a system host, or other server,communicatively connected with the gaming machine.

In some implementations, the display device includes a touch screen. ThePIP controller is further configured to: receive touch screen data fromthe touch screen; determine whether the touch screen data correspondswith the wager game image or the external source image; responsive todetermining that the touch screen data corresponds with the wager gameimage, send the touch screen data to the gaming machine; and responsiveto determining that the touch screen data corresponds with the externalsource image, send the touch screen data to the external source.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured tosend a status message regarding an operating condition of the PIP mixeror an operating condition of a peripheral device connected with the PIPmixer to the gaming machine via the PIP control interface.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured tosend a status message regarding the operating condition of the PIP mixeror an operating condition of a peripheral device connected with the PIPmixer to the external source via a PUI peripheral interface, the PUIperipheral interface configured to enable communication between theexternal source and the PIP mixer.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured toreceive a software update for the PIP mixer or a peripheral deviceconnected with the PIP mixer from the gaming machine via the PIP controlinterface.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured toreceive a software update for the PIP mixer or a peripheral deviceconnected with the PIP mixer from the external source via a PUIperipheral interface, the PUI peripheral interface configured to enablecommunication between the external source and the PIP mixer.

In some implementations, a system includes a gaming machine, a PUIboard, and a PUI peripheral interface. The PUI board is one example ofan external source. The PUI peripheral interface is configured to enablecommunication between the PUI board and the PIP mixer. The PUI board isconfigured to: receive media host data from a media host, create theexternal source video signal by processing the media host data, and sendthe external source video signal to the PIP mixer via the PUI peripheralinterface.

In some implementations, the PIP controller is further configured to:receive peripheral instructions from the PUI board via the PUIperipheral interface, the peripheral instructions providing for thecreation of the composite video signal; request an approval from thegaming machine to use the peripheral instructions; and responsive toreceiving the approval, create the composite video signal in accordancewith the peripheral instructions.

In some implementations, a method allows a gaming machine to control aPIP mixer. The method includes: receiving, with one or moremicroprocessors, an external source video signal from an externalsource, the external source video signal generated by the externalsource and including display data for an external source image;receiving, with the one or more microprocessors, a EGM video signal froma gaming machine, the EGM video signal generated by the gaming machineand including display data for a wager game image; receiving, with theone or more microprocessors, the control instructions from the gamingmachine, the control instructions providing for the creation of acomposite video signal including display data for a composite videoimage, the composite video image including the wager game image in afirst PIP window and the external source image in one or more additionalPIP windows; creating, with the one or more microprocessors, thecomposite video signal based on the control instructions, and sendingthe composite video signal to a display device.

In some implementations, the method further includes: receivingperipheral instructions from the external source, the peripheralinstructions providing for the creation of the composite video signal;requesting an approval from the gaming machine to use the peripheralinstructions; and responsive to receiving approval, creating thecomposite video signal in accordance with the peripheral instructions.

In some implementations, the control instructions include a request toconfigure a PIP window and wherein a configuration of a PIP windowdefines a size and a location of the PIP window on the display device.

In some implementations, the method further includes storing theconfiguration of the PIP window in a memory.

In some implementations, the method further includes: responsive to arequest from the external source, sending the configuration of the PIPwindow to the external source; or responsive to a request from a systemhost or the gaming machine, sending the configuration of the PIP windowto the system host or the gaming machine.

In some implementations, the control instructions indicate opening,closing, creating, destroying, configuring, sizing, resizing, moving,location, hiding, displaying, vertical ordering, or content of a PIPwindow in the composite screen image.

In some implementations, the display device includes a touch screen. Themethod further includes: receiving touch screen data from the touchscreen; determining whether the touch screen data corresponds with thewager game image or the external source image; responsive to determiningthat the touch screen data corresponds with the wager game image, sendthe touch screen data to the gaming machine; and responsive todetermining that the touch screen data corresponds with the externalsource image, send the touch screen data to the external source.

In some implementations, a method includes: receiving, at a gamingmachine, a request from an external source to control a PIP mixer, thegaming machine configured to execute a wager game and generate an EGMvideo signal including display data for a wager game image. The PIPmixer is configured to: receive an external source video signal, theexternal source video signal generated by the external source andincluding display data for an external source image, receive the EGMvideo signal, receive the control instructions from the gaming machine,the control instructions providing for the creation of a composite videosignal including display data for a composite video image, the compositevideo image including the wager game image in a first PIP window and theexternal source image in one or more additional PIP windows, create thecomposite video signal based on the control instructions, and send thecomposite video signal to a display device.

The method further includes: determining, at the gaming machine, whetherto fulfill the request from the external source; and responsive todetermining to fulfill the request, sending the control instructions tothe PIP mixer, the control instructions including an instructionproviding for the creation of the composite video signal according tothe request.

In some implementations, determining whether to fulfill the request fromthe external source to control the PIP mixer is based on a status of thewager game or a status of the gaming machine.

In some implementations, the request indicates a configuration of a PIPwindow and wherein the configuration of a PIP window defines a size anda location of the PIP window on the display device.

In some implementations, the request indicates opening, closing,creating, destroying, configuring, sizing, resizing, moving, location,status, vertical ordering, or content of a PIP window.

In some implementations, a non-transitory tangible computer-readablestorage medium stores instructions executable by a computing device toperform a method. The method includes: receiving, with one or moremicroprocessors, an external source video signal from an externalsource, the external source video signal generated by the externalsource and including display data for an external source image;receiving, with the one or more microprocessors, a EGM video signal froma gaming machine, the EGM video signal generated by the gaming machineand including display data for a wager game image; receiving, with theone or more microprocessors, the control instructions from the gamingmachine, the control instructions providing for the creation of acomposite video signal including display data for a composite videoimage, the composite video image including the wager game image in afirst PIP window and the external source image in one or more additionalPIP windows; creating, with the one or more microprocessors, thecomposite video signal based on the control instructions, and sendingthe composite video signal to a display device.

In some implementations, a PIP mixer includes: an external source videoinput configured to receive an external source video signal from a PUIboard, the external source video signal including display data for anexternal source image; an EGM video input configured to receive the EGMvideo signal from the gaming machine, the EGM video signal generated bythe gaming machine and including display data for a wager game image;means for receiving control instructions from the gaming machine, thecontrol instructions providing for the creation of a composite videosignal including display data for a composite video image, the compositevideo image including the wager game image in a first PIP window and theexternal source image in one or more additional PIP windows; means forcreating the composite video signal based on the control instructions,and means for sending the composite video signal to a display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and process steps for thedisclosed subject matter. These drawings in no way limit any changes inform and detail that may be made to implementations by one skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example of a system for providing oneor more PIP windows at a gaming machine, according to someimplementations.

FIG. 2 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method forconfiguring PIP windows, performed according to some implementations.

FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram of another example of a method forconfiguring PIP windows, performed according to some implementations.

FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram of another example of a method forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of another example of a method forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations.

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8 b show perspective, front, and side views of diagramsof an example of a gaming machine, configured in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 9 shows a system diagram of a server-based gaming network,configured in accordance with some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applications of systems and methods according to one or more embodimentsare described in this section. These examples are being provided solelyto add context and aid in the understanding of the present disclosure.It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the techniquesdescribed herein may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing examples should not be taken as definitive or limiting eitherin scope or setting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. Although theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled inthe art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examplesare not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used and changesmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

In some implementations, techniques described herein allow an electronicgaming machine (“EGM” or “gaming machine”) to exercise control over apicture-in-picture (PIP) device (or “PIP mixer”). The PIP mixer isconfigured to receive video data generated by the EGM and video dataprovided by an external source to form a composite display screen image.The composite display screen image may then be provided to a displaydevice associated with the EGM.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example of a system for providing oneor more PIP windows at a gaming machine, configured according to someimplementations. The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a gaming machinecabinet 102, a media host 104, a system host 106, an EGM 108, a displaydevice 110, a PIP mixer 112, a player user interface (PUI) board 114 (or“external computer (CPU) PUI board”), a card reader 116, a printer 118,a PUI peripheral interface 120, and a PIP control interface 122.

The gaming machine cabinet 102 may include a variety of components usedin conjunction with presenting a game of chance or with presenting otherfeatures associated with the EGM 108. The gaming machine cabinet 102need not include all components shown in FIG. 1. Conversely, the gamingmachine cabinet 102 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1.Additional details regarding EGM components are discussed with respectto FIGS. 7-8B. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that components shownin FIG. 1 as being included within the gaming machine cabinet 102 may bephysically located outside or on the surface of the gaming machinecabinet 102. Some components, such as the display device 110, may beonly partially enclosed within the gaming machine cabinet 102.

At 112, the PIP mixer is shown. In some implementations, the PIP mixer112 may include a PIP controller including one or more processors and amemory. The PIP controller may be “configured to” perform variousfunctions, meaning that the memory stores computer code that isexecutable by the one or more processors to perform the discussedfunctions. For instance, the PIP controller may be configured to mergetwo or more video inputs to produce a combined video signal for displayon a display device. The PIP mixer may be configured to receive thevideo inputs in various formats or connection types, such as HDMI, DVI,VGA, USB, serial, or co-axial cable.

As discussed above, one of the video inputs received at the PIP mixer112 may be transmitted from the EGM 108. This video input of the PIPmixer 112 may be referred to as an EGM video input. The video signalreceived from the EGM may include video data related to primary gameplay, bonusing, game outcomes, credit balances, credit transfers, or anyother information generated in the course wager game play on the EGM108. The video data generated by the EGM may provide a wager game imagewhen displayed on the display screen of the display device 110. Thewager game image is carried by an EGM video signal to the PIP mixer 112.FIG. 1 shows the EGM video input having a DVI format, but it will beappreciated that other formats or connection types may be used.

Also as discussed above, one of the video inputs received at the PIPmixer 112 may be transmitted from an external source, such as the PUIboard 114 shown in FIG. 1. This video input of the PIP mixer 112 may bereferred to as an external source video input. The external source mayprovide video data related to player tracking, bonusing, food andbeverage ordering interfaces, side games, streaming sports wagering ordisplay interfaces, casino services, credit balances, credit transfers,advertisements or other types of information that does not affect anoutcome of a wager game executed by the EGM. The video data generated bythe external source may provide an external source image when displayedon the display screen of the display device 110. The external sourceimage is carried by an external source video signal to the externalsource video input of the PIP mixer 112. FIG. 1 shows the externalsource video input having an HDMI format, but it will be appreciatedthat other formats or connection types may be used.

The PIP mixer 112 may combine the wager game image received from the EGM108 and the external source image received from the external source,such as the PUI board 114, in various ways to generate the compositedisplay screen image prior to sending it to the display device 110.Typically, the wager game image is displayed in a first window, or wagergame window. While the wager game image is displayed in the wager gamewindow that occupies a portion of the display device, an external sourceimage may be displayed in a second window, or external source windowthat occupies a second portion of the display device.

At various times, the gaming window or the external source window mayoccupy the entire display device (e.g., in a full screen mode) or aportion of the display device. One common type of external source windowis called a “service window,” which may be used to provide interactivecustomer service interfaces. For instance, an external source image mayprovide a full screen kiosk mode that allows the player to utilizeservice-related functions provided by the casino, such as ordering foodand beverages, accessing player tracking account information, executingbalance transfers, or the like. The kiosk mode may be initiated by theEGM 108, by the external video source, based on user input provided inan EGM-controlled portion of the display device, based on user inputprovided in an external source controlled portion of the display device,based on user input provided in a wager game portion of the device,based on user input provided at another user input device associatedwith the EGM, or via any other initiation mechanism.

In some implementations, the external source video signal may carryvideo data that provides for simultaneous display of multiple externalsource images (i.e., multiple images generated by the external source).Furthermore, each external source image may be displayed in separateexternal source windows. In some implementations, some or all of theexternal source images may share an external source window.

In some implementations, the EGM video signal may carry video data thatprovides for simultaneous display of multiple wager game images (i.e.,images generated by the EGM). Typically, one of the wager game imagesincludes the wager game while other wager game images provide additionalcontent. The wager game image that includes the wager game may bedisplayed in the gaming window. The additional content, which isdiscussed in further detail below, may be displayed in one or moreEGM-controlled windows.

To accommodate the display of additional windows that share the displayscreen of the display device 110, an existing window may be scaled,shrunk, moved, resized, compressed, or otherwise manipulated by the PIPmixer. For instance, the wager game window may be scaled to a smallersize to accommodate the display of an external source window. In anotherexample, both the wager game window and the external source window maybe scaled to accommodate the display of a second external source windowor an EGM-controlled window. External source windows, gaming windows andEGM-controlled windows may be generally referred to as picture-picture(PIP) windows.

In some implementations, PIP windows may have different priority levelsfor access to the display device 110. If displaying a higher prioritylevel PIP window requires a lower priority PIP window to becomecompressed to an unacceptable degree, the EGM 108 may transmit aninstruction to the PIP mixer 112 to close or resize the lower priorityPIP window. Typically, but not necessarily always, an external sourcewindow will have lower priority than a wager game window.

The PIP mixer 112 may communicate with the EGM 108 via the PIP controlinterface 122. In some implementations, messages sent from the EGM 108to the PIP mixer 112 via the PIP control interface 122 may utilize theG2S Message Protocol or some other standard communication protocol. ThePIP control interface 122 may be utilized to transmit information suchas status messages, touch input, and instructions for controlling thedisplay of PIP windows between the PIP mixer 112 and the EGM 108

As discussed, PIP mixer 112 may receive the instructions for controllingthe display of PIP windows from the EGM 108 via the PIP controlinterface 122. Instructions for controlling the display of PIP windowsmay also be transmitted to the PIP mixer 112 from the external source,such as the PUI board 114, or from the system host 106. In someimplementations, when the instructions do not come directly from the EGM108, the PIP mixer 112 may not perform operations in accordance with theinstructions unless a validation instruction approving the operation isreceived from the EGM 108 through the PIP control interface 122.

The instructions may be used by the PIP mixer 112 to configure a PIPwindow, which includes defining the parameters of the PIP windows suchas its size, location on the display device 110, or the like. In someimplementations, PIP window configurations may be stored at the PIPmixer 112, the EGM 108, or the external source. These stored PIP windowconfigurations may later be used to present wager game images, externalsource images or EGM-controlled images.

The instructions may direct the PIP mixer 112 to perform one or more ofthe following once PIP windows are configured: closing a PIP window,opening a PIP window, resizing a PIP window, moving a PIP window,changing a status of a PIP window (e.g., whether the PIP window isdisplayed or hidden), assigning the full display screen to a PIP window,displaying EGM-generated content within a PIP window, displayingexternally-generated content within a PIP window, manipulation of theZ-ordering (in an X, Y, and Z computer graphics ordering system) ofwindows such that a first PIP window displays above or below a secondPIP window, and manipulation of the X-ordering or Y-ordering. Afterexecuting the instructions, PIP Mixer 112 may convey the impact of theinstructions to the PUI Board 114. For instance, if the PIP mixer 112closed a PIP window, a message may be sent to the PUI board 114 via thePUI peripheral interface 120 indicating to the PUI board 114 that thePIP window may be used for other content.

In some implementations, the EGM 108 may transmit an instruction ormessage to the PIP mixer 112 based on the state of the EGM 108 or thestate of wager game play on the EGM 108. For example, the EGM 108 may bein a game state in which the player's full attention on the game may bedesired. Such situations may include, but are not limited to, displayinga game outcome, displaying a game event, displaying a bonus game,displaying an error condition, displaying an EGM-controlled image, anddisplaying funds transfer information. As another example, the EGM maybe in a fault or failure state and need the entire game screen todisplay an error message. This example may be particularly important insituations where the external source window is occupying the entiredisplay screen. In such situations, the player may not even be aware ofthe fault or failure of the EGM 108. By transmitting an instruction toclose the external source window and display an error message, theplayer may be made aware of the fault or failure.

In some implementations, the PIP control interface 122 may be used totransmit status information between the PIP mixer 112 and the EGM 108.For instance, the PIP mixer 112 may transmit a heartbeat message orstatus message identifying a status or operating condition of the PIPmixer 112 to the EGM 108. Such a heartbeat message may allow the EGM 108to determine whether the PIP mixer 112 is still operating and todetermine the operating condition of the PIP mixer 112. In someimplementations, the PIP mixer 112 may also send a status message to theEGM 108 that indicates the status of a component connected to the PIPmixer, such as the display device 110, the touch screen, or otherperipheral, such as a bill validator or a ticket printer. The PIP mixer112 may also receive a heartbeat or status message identifying a statusor operating condition of the EGM 108. For instance, the PIP mixer 112may receive a message indicating that the EGM 108 is in a failure state.

At 108, the EGM is shown. In at least the context of FIG. 1, the EGM 108includes core game-related components that provide for a wager game suchas game software, a master gaming controller and a network interface.However, the gaming cabinet 102 includes other components, such as thePIP mixer 112 and the PUI board 114, that are not considered within thescope of the EGM as described in FIG. 1.

The master gaming controller of the EGM 108 may include one or moreprocessors and the one or more storage mediums. The master gamingcontroller may be configured to perform the functionality of the EGM 108described herein. It will be appreciated that the master gamingcontroller is “configured to” perform a certain function when the one ormore storage mediums include computer code that is executable by the oneor more processors to perform the function. As discussed above, onefunction of the master gaming controller may include providing the gameof chance. Additional details regarding the components and operations ofthe EGM are discussed with respect to FIGS. 7-8B.

In some implementations, and as discussed above, the EGM 108 may alsoprovide a wager game image to the PIP mixer 112 that includes theadditional content that does not include content of the wager game. Alsoas discussed above, the additional content in the wager game image maybe displayed in an EGM-controlled window. The EGM may generate the videodata for the EGM-controlled images by processing content received from aremote server, such as the system host 106.

At 106, the system host is shown. The system host 106 may communicatewith the EGM 108 to provide content for one or more EGM-controlledwindows. It will be appreciated that the content of EGM-controlledwindows is not limited to information associated with a wage game. Invarious implementations, EGM-controlled windows may provide any of thefunctionality described herein with respect to external source windows.In some implementations, the content from the system host 106 may alsobe used by the EGM 108 to provide various features to the gaming window.

Because EGM-controlled windows are provided via the execution of contenton the EGM, such as by the master game controller, new EGM-controlledcontent may require regulatory approval before it is put in commercialuse. Furthermore, the system host 106 may communicate with the EGM 108via a standard communication interface such as the G2S Message Protocol.For instance, the system host 106 may send a message to the EGM 108 viathe G2S Message Protocol that directs the EGM 108 to download contentand to generate the EGM-controlled images. Standard communicationinterfaces may include predefined data and message types that restrictthe ability to add new features that were not contemplated during thedesign of the standard communication interface. For these and otherreasons, the use of the PUI board 114 for providing new content from themedia host 104 may be a more desirable technique for implementing newfeatures to gaming machines than the use of EGM-controlled content fromthe system host 106.

At 114, the PUI board is shown. The PUI board 114 is an example of anexternal source that provides the external source video signal to thePIP mixer 112. The PUI board 114 is a computing device that is externaland separate from the EGM or its components. With reference to FIG. 1,the PUI board 114 receives and processes content provided by the mediahost 104, or multiple media hosts, to generate the external source videosignal. The content received from the media host 104 may be mediacontent, such as Flash® player content. In some instances, a singlemedia host may provide content for one or more external source windows.In other instances, separate media hosts may provide content forseparate external source windows. In yet other instances, more than onemedia host may provide content for a single external source window.

The media host 104 may be controlled by a casino, by the EGMmanufacturer, by the manufacturer of the PUI board 114, by a thirdparty, or by any other entity. The content provided by the media host104 to the PUI board 114 may include content for the external sourcewindows. As shown in FIG. 1, the media host 104 may be configured tocommunicate with the PIP mixer 112 via the PUI board 114.

In some implementations, the external source is a media host thatprovides the external source video signal directly to the PIP mixer 112.Put another way, the structures or functions described herein for thePUI board 114 may be integrated into the media host 104. Alternatively,the structures or functions of the PUI board 114 may be integrated intothe PIP mixer 112.

At 120, the PUI peripheral interface is shown. The PUI peripheralinterface 120 may be configured to transmit information such as statusmessages, touch input, or instructions for controlling the display ofPIP windows.

The PUI board 114, via the PUI peripheral interface 120, may transmitinstructions similar to the configuration and control instructionsdiscussed above with respect to the PIP control interface 122. Also asdiscussed above, in some implementations, when the instructions do notcome directly from the EGM 108, the PIP mixer 112 may not performoperations in accordance with the instructions unless a validationinstruction approving the operation is received from the EGM 108.

In some implementations, the PUI peripheral interface 120 may be used toreceive status information from the PIP mixer 112, such as informationindicating an operating status or error condition of the PIP mixer 112,the EGM 108, or any component connected to the PIP mixer, such as thedisplay device 110, the touch screen, or other peripheral, such as abill validator or a ticket printer. This status information may befurther passed from the PUI board 114 to the media host 104. Forinstance, the PIP mixer 112 may send a heartbeat message regardingitself or the EGM 108 to the PUI board 114. In another example, anaction by the PIP mixer 112 specified by instructions from the EGM 108may affect the display of one or more external source windows driven bythe PUI board 114, or may indicate changes that would affect the abilityfor the PUI Board 114 to direct the PIP Mixer 112 to display externalsource images in one or more external source windows. Here, a statusmessage may be sent to the PUI board 114 after the PIP mixer 112 hasperformed the action.

In some implementations, the PUI board 114 may perform operationsrelated to player tracking In this case, the PUI board may include, maybe, or may function in a manner similar to a slot machine interfaceboard (SMIB). The PUI board 114 may control or interface with one ormore player tracking components such as a secondary display device, thecard reader 116, the printer 118 or other player tracking input oroutput devices.

When the PUI board 114 is configured to perform operations related toplayer tracking, the PUI board 114 may be configured to communicatedirectly with the EGM 108. In some implementations, the PUI board 114and the EGM 108 may directly exchange information via the SAS, G2S, orother protocol. In one example, The PUI board 114 may receive metervalues at from the EGM 108. In another example, the PUI board 114 andthe EGM 108 may exchange information such as credit balance transfers,for instance to facilitate cashless gaming funds transfers conducted viathe card reader 116. Player tracking information received by the PUIboard 114 from the EGM 108 may be further routed to a media host that isconfigured to provide player tracking services.

At 110, the display device is shown. The display device 110 may beconfigured to display a video signal provided by the PIP mixer 112. Thevideo signal may include a composite screen image that includes wagergame images, external source images, and EGM-controlled images.

In some implementations, the gaming machine cabinet 102 may include morethan one display. For instance, the gaming machine cabinet 102 mayinclude a main game display device and a bonus game display devicelocated in a top box. Any or all of the display devices may berepresented by the display device 110 shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, anyor all of the display devices may be configured to receive video datafrom the PIP mixer 112.

In some implementations, the display device 110 includes a touch screencapable of receiving user inputs when a user touches a surface of thedisplay device 110. The user input may include screen coordinates thatcorrespond with a location on the touch screen. In some implementations,the touch screen may be configured for multi-touch cap ability.

Generally, the touch screen allows the user to interact with PIPwindows. The PIP mixer 112 may receive the touch input from the displaydevice 110 and route the touch input to an appropriate location. Forinstance, PIP mixer 112 may determine that the touch input concerns awager game window or EGM-controlled window, in which case the touchinput may be routed to the EGM 108 via the PIP control interface 122.Alternatively, the PIP mixer 112 may determine that the touch inputconcerns an external source window, in which case the touch input may berouted to the PUI board 114 via the PUI peripheral interface 120.

When the touch input is sent to the PUI board 114, the PUI board 114 maytranslate the touch input to assign a meaning to the touch input. Forinstance, the touch input may indicate the press of a button displayedin the external source window. The PUI board 114 may assign a meaning tothe touch events based on the location and timing of the touch events.Once the meaning is assigned, it may be used to affect operations at themedia host 104 resulting in changes to content of the external sourcewindow.

When the touch input is sent to the EGM 108, the EGM 108 may alsotranslate the touch input to assign a meaning to the touch input. Forinstance, the touch input may indicate the press of a button displayedin the wager game window or EGM-controlled window. The EGM 108 mayassign a meaning to the touch events based on the location and timing ofthe touch events. Once the meaning is assigned, it may be used to affectoperations at the EGM 108 or the system host 106, resulting in changesto content of the wager game window or EGM-controlled window.

In some implementations, the PIP mixer 112 may perform touch scaling. Ifa touch input is received within a scaled PIP window, the PIP mixer 112may translate the coordinates of the touch input to coordinates for thecontent had the content not been scaled or displayed in a window priorto sending the touch input to the EGM 108 or the PUI board 114.

At 116, the card reader is shown. In some implementations, the cardreader 116 may be configured to communicate with a player tracking card.The player tracking card may identify a player tracking account, whichmay provide access to player tracking features such as player trackingpoints and identification information.

In some implementations, the card reader 116 may be configured tocommunicate with a smart card configured for cashless gaming. The cardreader 116 may thus be configured to facilitate credit balance transfersbetween the smart card and the EGM.

In some implementations, information related to the player tracking cardor the smartcard may be displayed in a PIP window. For instance, the PIPwindow may display player tracking information or information related toa credit balance or credit transfer.

In some implementations, the card reader 116 may be configured tocommunicate with the PUI board 114 instead of, or in addition to, theEGM 108. For instance, the PUI board 114 may include the SMIB configuredto control player tracking or cashless gaming components.

In some implementations, the printer 118 may be configured to printvarious information related to operations at the EGM 108. For example,the printer 118 may be configured to print a cashless gaming cashoutticket. When such a ticket is printed, the player may take the ticket toanother location in the casino to receive funds in exchange for theticket. As another example, the printer 118 may be configured to print acoupon or other promotional item.

In some implementations, the printer 118 may be configured tocommunicate with the PUI board 114 instead of, or in addition to, theEGM 108. For instance, the PUI board 114 may include the SMIB configuredto control player tracking or cashless gaming components.

In some implementations, the EGM 108 or the external source, such as thePUI board 114, may provide software or firmware updates to the PIP mixer112. The software updates or firmware updates may include updates forthe PIP mixer 112 or of the devices connected to the PIP Mixer 112, suchas the display device 110, the touch screen, or some other peripheral.In some implementations, peripheral devices controlled by the EGM, suchas the card reader 116, printer 118, bill validator, etc. may also beupdated via the PIP mixer 112. For instance, a connection between theperipheral devices controlled by the EGM and the PIP mixer may beestablished. The EGM 108 may send instructions to the PIP mixer 112 viathe PIP control interface 122 to control the downloading of the gamingmachine peripherals. In some implementations, software or firmwareupdates for the PUI board 114 may also be controlled by the EGM 108 viathe PIP mixer 112.

In some implementations, techniques described herein may facilitate theintegration of a wager game images and an external source image withoutrequiring significant alteration to an existing or legacy EGM hardwareor software. For instance, the EGM may not natively support the displayof external source windows. In such situations, one solution may be tomodify the EGM. This may require the EGM to be altered to includespecialized software (e.g., an Adobe® Flash® player, a Microsoft®Silverlight® player) or hardware (e.g., processors and memory) dedicatedto processing the content from the external source.

However, this solution may not be ideal as EGM software and hardware ishighly regulated and any modifications may require another round ofregulatory approval before commercial use. Therefore, the PUI board 114may be used to receive the content from a media host and process thatcontent to generate an external source image for an external sourcewindow. The external source image may be sent to the PIP mixer 112 whereit may be combined with the wager game image. Such a configuration mayallow, for instance, an outdated gaming machine to integrate newfunctionality without a costly regulatory approval process.

In another example, content from the external source may be displayed onthe display device 110 without requiring the EGM game software to bealtered to include specialized communication protocols for receiving thecontent. For instance, the EGM 108 may be positioned in a gaming systemthat uses a third-party proprietary communication protocol to transmitthe content from a media host to gaming machines. In such a situation, ahardware device capable of communicating using the proprietarycommunication protocol, such as the PUI board 114, may be used toreceive the content from the media host. The PUI board 114 may thenprocess the content to create the external source video signal that issent to the PIP mixer 112, thereby bypassing the EGM game software.

In some implementations, communication between the EGM 108 and the PIPmixer 112 may be conducted at least in part for regulatory reasons. Forinstance, a gaming regulation may require that a base game be disabledif an external source controls the entire screen of the display device110. In this situation, a message indicating that the external source iscontrolling the entire display screen may be transmitted from the PIPmixer 112 to the EGM 108. Then, the EGM 108 may disable the gamesoftware. Further, the EGM 108 may indicate in a log that the disablingof the game software was performed due to the control of the displayscreen by the external source, and the EGM 108 may also transmit thisinformation via another external interface (G2S, SAS, or other casinogaming protocol) for consumption by the casino management system forlong-term historical logging or auditing purpose.

In some implementations, two or more of the various communicationconnections shown in FIG. 1 may be transmitted over the same physicalinterface. For instance, communications between the EGM 108 and the PIPmixer 112 regarding touch screen data and data sent via the PIP controlinterface 122 may be transmitted via the same physical communicationconnection such as a USB interface, a serial communication interface, aSATA interface, a PATA interface, a SCSI interface, or any othercommunication interface. Alternately, such communication connections maybe transmitted over different physical communication connections.

FIGS. 2-6 show diagrams of examples of methods for exercising control ofthe PIP mixer and PIP windows by the EGM, performed according to someimplementations. As discussed herein, various messages may betransmitted between the various components. The selection andarrangement of these messages may be strategically determined based onthe desired behavior of the system. Thus, the methods shown in FIGS. 2-6are examples of the types of methods that may be performed and are notto be construed as limiting in any way. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that the methods shown in FIGS. 2-6 may be performed by theexample of systems discussed above, but may also be performed by othersystems or devices.

FIG. 2 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method 200 forconfiguring PIP windows, such as an external source window, a wager gamewindow or an EGM-controlled window, performed according to someimplementations. The method shown in FIG. 2 allows the external source,such as the PUI board, to define parameters of a PIP window. Themessages shown in FIG. 2 may be transmitted between the PIP mixer, theEGM, and a processing device for the external source such as the PUIboard. Because the PUI board provides video data for external sourcewindows, the method 200 is typically used to configure a PIP window thatwill be used as an external source window. However, it will beappreciated that once a PIP window is configured, it may be later calledand used as a wager game window, an external source window or anEGM-controlled window.

In FIG. 2, the PUI board sends a message 210 to the PIP mixer with arequest to configure a PIP window. The message 210 may originate fromthe media host or be sent by the PUI board as a result of a request fromthe media host. In some implementations, the message 210 includes a PIPwindow identifier (WinID), a device identifier (DeviceID), a PIP windowsize attribute (Size), and a PIP window position attribute (Pos).

In some implementations, the message 210 may be sent via the PUIperipheral interface. The message 210 may also be sent using a standardcommunication protocol such as the GSA standard protocol. One example ofa GSA standard protocol is the GDS Media Window standard protocol. Thedevice identifier DeviceID may correspond with the display device 110,thereby indicating that the PIP window is to be displayed on the displaydevice 110. In some implementations, the system of FIG. 1 may includeadditional display devices configured to receive video from the PIPmixer and each device may have a unique DeviceID.

The PIP mixer receives the message 210 and sends a message 220 to theEGM. The message 220 may include a request to configure the PIP window.In some implementations, the message 220 may contain the same data asthe message 210. In some implementations, the message 220 may use adifferent communication protocol than the message 210. The message 220may be sent via the PIP control interface.

The EGM may send to the PIP mixer a message 230 acknowledging theconfiguration of the PIP window as acceptable to the EGM. Alternatively,the EGM may determine in a determination 225 that the configuration isunacceptable and the message 230 may indicate that the configuration isunacceptable. The determination 225 may be based on any number offactors including the status of a wager game executing on the EGM or thestatus of the EGM. In some implementations, the message 230 is sentwithout performing the determination 225. The message 230 may be sentvia the PIP control interface. In some implementations, the PIP mixerincludes or has access to a memory where configuration data for anaccepted PIP window may be stored.

The PIP mixer may send a message 240 to the PUI board. The message 240may be sent via the PUI peripheral interface. In some implementations,the message 240 may contain the same contents as the message 230. Insome implementations, the message 240 is sent using a standardcommunication protocol. The message 240 may indicate to the PUI boardwhether it may utilize the PIP window configured by the PUI board inmessage 210. The PUI board may further send the message 240 to the mediahost to indicate to the media host whether it may utilize the servicewindow.

FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method 300 forconfiguring PIP windows, performed according to some implementations.The method shown in FIG. 3 allows the system host to define parametersof a PIP window. The messages shown in FIG. 3 may be transmitted betweenthe system host, the EGM and the PIP mixer. Because the system hostprovides content for EGM-controlled windows, the method 300 is typicallyused to configure a PIP window that will be used as an EGM-controlledwindow. However, it will be appreciated that once a PIP window isconfigured, it may be later called and used as a wager game window, anexternal source window or an EGM-controlled window.

In FIG. 3, the system host sends a message 310 to the EGM with a requestto configure a PIP window. In some implementations, the message 310includes a PIP window identifier (WinID), a device identifier(DeviceID), a PIP window size attribute (Size), and a PIP windowposition attribute (Pos). In some implementations, the message 310 maybe sent using a standard communication protocol such as a GSA standardprotocol. One example of a GSA standard protocol is the G2S MessageProtocol. The device identifier DeviceID may correspond with displaydevice 110, indicating that the PIP window is to be displayed on thedisplay device 110. In some implementations, the system of FIG. 1 mayinclude additional display devices configured to receive video from thePIP mixer and each device may have a unique DeviceID.

The EGM receives the message 310 and may send to the PIP mixer a message320 requesting the configuration of the PIP window. Alternatively, theEGM may determine that the configuration is unacceptable in adetermination 315 and the message 320 is not sent. The determination 315may be based on any number of factors including the status of a wagergame executing on the EGM or the status of the EGM. In otherimplementations, the message 320 is sent without performing thedetermination 315. In some implementations, the message 320 may containthe same data as the message 310. In some implementations, the message320 may use a different communication protocol than the message 310. Insome implementations, the request for configuration of the PIP windowmay originate at the EGM with the message 320 rather than the systemhost with message 310. The message 320 may be sent from the EGM to thePIP mixer via the PIP control interface.

The PIP mixer receives the message 320 and may send a message 330 to theEGM acknowledging the configuration of the PIP window as acceptable tothe PIP mixer. The message 330 may be sent via the PIP controlinterface. In some implementations, the PIP mixer includes or has accessto a memory where configuration data that defines properties orconfigurations of PIP windows may be stored.

The EGM may receive the message 330 and send a message 340 to the systemhost acknowledging the configuration of the service window asacceptable. In some implementations, message 340 uses a standardcommunications protocol, such as the G2S Message Protocol.

In some implementations, the example methods shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 forconfiguring a PIP window may be combined with the example methods shownin FIGS. 4 and 5 for controlling a configured PIP window for display onthe display device.

FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method 400 forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations. The method 400 may be performed after a PIP window hasbeen configured using the example methods 200 and 300 shown in FIGS. 2and 3 respectively.

In FIG. 4, the PUI board sends a message 410 to the PIP mixer requestinga list or array of configured PIP windows. In some implementations, thePIP mixer includes or has access to the memory for storing configuredPIP windows. The PIP mixer may return a message 420 to the PUI board,the message 420 including the list or array of configured PIP windows.In some implementations, the messages 410 and 420 are sent via the PUIperipheral interface. The messages 410 and 420 may further use astandard communication protocol such as the GDS Media Window standardprotocol.

In some implementations, the messages 410 and 420 do not need to beperformed. For instance, if the PUI board originally sent the messageconfiguring the PIP window, such as the message 210 shown in FIG. 2, theservice window configuration may be stored at the PUI board or the mediahost making it unnecessary for the PUI board to request the list orarray from the PIP mixer.

When the PUI board has the list or array of configured PIP windows, thePUI board may send a message 430 to the PIP mixer with a request to showa PIP window. In some implementations, the message 430 may include thePIP window identifier WinID. WinID may correspond with the PIP windowidentifier used in the methods 200 and 300 and the message 420. Themessage 430 may be sent using a standard communication protocol, such asthe GDS Media Window standard protocol. The message 430 may be sent viathe PUI peripheral interface.

While FIG. 4 shows the message 430 requesting to show the PIP window(“Show Window(WinID)”), it will be appreciated that the message 430 mayinclude any other PIP window related command. For instance, the message430 may indicate the opening, closing, creating, destroying, sizing,resizing, moving, location, status, vertical ordering, or content of thePIP window.

The PIP mixer receives the message 430 and sends a message 440 to theEGM. The message 440 may include the request to show the PIP window. Insome implementations, the message 440 may contain the same data as themessage 430. In some implementations, the message 440 may use adifferent communication protocol than the message 430. The message 440may be sent via the PIP control interface.

In response to receiving the message 440, the EGM may send a message 450to the PIP mixer indicating whether the EGM allows the request inmessage 440. In some implementations, the EGM may determine that therequest cannot be fulfilled in a determination 445 and the message 450is not sent. The determination 445 may be based on any number of factorsincluding the status of a wager game executing on the EGM or the statusof the EGM. For instance, the EGM may determine that it needs the entirescreen for the gaming window and the message 450 may indicate that thePIP window may not be shown. In this case, the EGM may return a falsevalue in message 450. The EGM may determine that showing the PIP windowis permissible and the message 450 may indicate that the PIP window maybe shown. The EGM may return a true value in the message 450 in thiscase. The message 450 may be sent via the PIP control interface.

In some implementations, the PIP mixer may send a message 460 to the PUIboard. The message 460 may contain some or all of the same data orcontents as the message 450. However, the message 460 may use adifferent communication protocol than the message 450. The message 460may be sent from the PIP mixer to the PUI board via the PUI peripheralinterface. The message 460 may indicate to the PUI board that furtheraction with the PIP window may be performed. For instance, if themessage 460 indicates that the PIP window is shown, the message 460 mayfurther indicate that the PUI board may use the PIP window. In anotherexample, if the message 460 indicates that the PIP window is closed, themessage 460 may further indicate that the PUI board may not use the PIPwindow.

FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method 500 forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations. The method 500 may be performed after a PIP window hasbeen configured, e.g., using the methods 200 or 300.

In FIG. 5, the system host may send a message 510 to the EGM requestingthe EGM show a PIP window. The message 510 may reference a configuredPIP window by using WinID In some implementations, the message 510 mayuse a standard communications protocol such as the G2S Message Protocol.

The EGM receives the message 510 and sends a message 520 to the PIPmixer requesting it to show the PIP window. In some implementations, theEGM may determine that the request cannot be fulfilled in adetermination 515 and the message 520 is not sent. The determination 515may be based on any number of factors including the status of a wagergame executing on the EGM or the status of the EGM. The message 520, ifdetermined to be sent, may be sent from the EGM to the PIP mixer via thePIP control interface.

In some implementations, the request for showing the PIP window mayoriginate at the EGM. Thus the method may begin with the message 520sent by the EGM to the PIP mixer. Furthermore, while FIG. 5 shows themessage 520 requesting to show the PIP window (“ShowWindow(WinID)”), themessage 520 may include any other PIP window related command. Forinstance, the message 520 may indicate the opening, closing, creating,destroying, sizing, resizing, moving, location, status, verticalordering, or content of the PIP window.

In response to receiving the message 520 indicating a request to showthe PIP window, the PIP mixer may return a response 530 to the EGM. Insome implementations, the response 530 may indicate that the PIP mixercan display the PIP window and return true. The response 530 may alsoindicate that the PIP mixer cannot display the PIP window and returnfalse. The message 530 may be sent via from the PIP mixer to the EGM viathe PIP control interface.

The EGM receives the message 530 and may send a message 540 to thesystem host. In some implementations, the message 540 is sent to thesystem host only if the system host requested the show window request inthe message 510. In some implementations, the message 540 may use astandard communications protocol such as the G2S Message Protocol. Themessage 540 may indicate to the system host that the PIP window is shownor is available to receive content from the system host.

FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of an example of a method 600 forcontrolling PIP windows, performed in accordance with someimplementations. The method 600 allows the EGM or the system host tocontrol a shown or displayed PIP window. The method 600 may be combinedwith or performed after one or more PIP window has been configured,e.g., using the methods 200 or 300. In the example shown in FIG. 6, twoPIP windows WinID1 and WinID2 have been configured. The method 600 mayalso be combined with or performed after a PIP window has beendisplayed, e.g., using the methods 400 or 500. In the example methodshown in FIG. 6, PIP window WinID2 is displayed prior to the system hostsending a message 610 to the EGM.

With reference to FIG. 6, the system host sends the message 610requesting to show the PIP window WinID1, which is configured but notdisplayed. In some implementations, the message 610 may use a standardcommunications protocol such as the G2S Message Protocol.

The EGM receives the message 610 and sends a message 620 to the PIPmixer requesting it to close the PIP window WinID2. In someimplementations, the EGM may only send the message 620 after determiningin a determination 615 that showing the PIP window WinID1 isimpermissible or impossible without closing the PIP window WinID2. Insome implementations, the EGM may determine in the determination 615that it may show the PIP window without closing WinID2 and send a showrequest message for WinID1, such as a message 660 shown in FIG. 6. Thedetermination 615 may be based on the state of a wager game. The message620 may be sent via the PIP control interface.

In some implementations, the request for closing the PIP window mayoriginate at the EGM. Thus the method 600 may begin with the message 620sent by the EGM to the PIP mixer. Furthermore, while FIG. 6 shows themessage 620 requesting to close the PIP window WinID2(“CloseWindow(WinID2)”), the message 620 may include any other PIPwindow related command that the EGM may determine is necessary before itcan show WinID1. For instance, the message 620 may indicate the closing,destroying, sizing, resizing, moving, location, status, verticalordering, or content of the PIP window WinID2

If the PIP window WinID2 is being used by the PUI board to providecontent, the PIP mixer may send a message, or event 630 to the PUI boardindicating that PUI Window WinID2 is closed, or is going to be closed.The PUI board may then acknowledge receipt of the event in message 640.The messages 630 and 640 may use a standard communication protocol, suchas the GDS Media Window standard. The messages 630 and 640 may also usethe PUI peripheral interface.

The PIP mixer may send a message 650 to the EGM acknowledging that thePIP mixer has closed the PIP window WinID2. The message 650 may use thePIP control interface.

In response to receiving the message 650, the EGM may send a message 660to the PIP mixer requesting to show PIP window WinID1. The message 650may use the PIP control interface.

The PIP mixer may return a response 670 to the EGM. In someimplementations, the response 670 may indicate that the PIP mixer candisplay the PIP window WinID1 and return true. The response 670 may alsoindicate that the PIP mixer cannot display the PIP window WinID1 andreturn false. The message 670 may be sent via the PIP control interface.

The EGM receives the message 670 and may send a message 680 to thesystem host indicating that PIP window WinID1 is shown or is availablefor receiving content from the system host. In some implementations, themessage 680 is sent to the system host only if the system host requestedthe show window request in the message 610. In some implementations, themessage 680 may use a standard communications protocol such as the G2SMessage Protocol.

FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B show perspective, front, and side views of diagramsof an example of an EGM 2 configured in accordance with someimplementations. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, the EGM 2includes a main cabinet 4 (also referred to as the gaming machinecabinet 102 in FIG. 1), which generally surrounds the machine interiorand is viewable by users. The main cabinet 4 includes a main door 8 onthe front of the EGM 2, which opens to provide access to the interior ofthe EGM 2.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include any of a plurality ofdevices. For example, the EGM 2 may include a ticket printer that printsbar-coded tickets, a key pad for entering player tracking information, adisplay (e.g., a video display screen) for displaying player trackinginformation, a card reader for entering a magnetic striped cardcontaining player tracking information, and any other devices. Theticket printer may be used to print tickets for a cashless ticketingsystem. In FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, attached to the main door is a paymentacceptor 28, a bill validator 30, and a coin tray 38. The paymentacceptor may include a coin slot and/or a payment, note, or billacceptor, where the player inserts money, coins, tokens, or other typesof payments.

In some implementations, devices such as readers or validators forcredit cards, debit cards, smart cards, or credit slips may facilitatepayment. For example, a player may insert an identification card intothe card reader of the EGM 2. The identification card may be a smartcard coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or relateddata) and other relevant information. In another example, a player maycarry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequencyidentification tag or any other suitable wireless device. The portabledevice may communicates a player's identification, credit totals (orrelated data), and/or any other relevant information to the EGM 2. Inyet another example, money may be transferred to the EGM 2 throughelectronic funds transfer. When a player funds the EGM 2, a logic devicecoupled to the EGM 2 may determine the amount of funds entered anddisplay the corresponding amount on a display device.

In some implementations, attached to the main door 8 is a plurality ofplayer-input switches or buttons 32. The input switches can include anysuitable devices which enables the player to produce an input signalwhich is received by the processor. The input switches may include agame activation device that may be used by the player to start anyprimary game or sequence of events in the EGM 2. The game activationdevice can be any suitable play activator such as a “bet one” button, a“max bet” button, or a “repeat the bet” button. In some instances, uponappropriate funding, the EGM 2 may begin the game play automatically.Alternately, the EGM 2 may automatically activate game play afterdetecting user input via the game activation device.

In some implementations, one input switch is a cash-out button. Theplayer may push the cash-out button and cash out to receive a cashpayment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number ofremaining credits. For example, when the player cashes out, the playermay receive the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. As anotherexample, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as ticketsor credit slips redeemable by a cashier (or other suitable redemptionsystem) or funding to the player's electronically recordableidentification card. As yet another example, funds may be transferredfrom the EGM 2 to the player's smart card.

In some implementations, one input switch is a touch screen coupled witha touch screen controller, or some other touch-sensitive display overlayto enable player interaction with the images on the display. The touchscreen and the touch screen controller may be connected to a videocontroller. A player may make decisions and input signals into thegaming machine by touching the touch screen at the appropriate places.One such input switch may include a touch screen button panel.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include communication ports forenabling communication of the gaming machine processor, or master gamingcontroller, with external peripherals, such as external video sources,expansion buses, game or other displays, a SATA port, a key pad, or anetwork interface for communicating via a network.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include one or more displaydevices. For example, the EGM 2 includes a display device 34 and aninformation panel 36. The display device 34 and the information panel 36may each include any of a cathode ray tube, an LCD, a light emittingdiode (LED) based display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) baseddisplay, a polymer light emitting diode (PLED) based display, an SEDbased-display, an E-ink display, a plasma display, a television display,a display including a projected and/or reflected image, or any othersuitable electronic display device.

In some implementations, the display devices at the EGM 2 may includeone or more electromechanical devices such as one or more rotatablewheels, reels, or dice. The display device may include anelectromechanical device adjacent to a video display, such as a videodisplay positioned in front of a mechanical reel. The display devicesmay include dual-layered or multi-layered electromechanical and/or videodisplays that cooperate to generate one or more images. The displaydevices may include a mobile display device, such as a smart phone ortablet computer, that allows play of at least a portion of the primaryor secondary game at a location remote from the gaming machine. Thedisplay devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as asquare, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.

In some implementations, the display devices of the EGM 2 are configuredto display wager game images or other suitable images. The images mayinclude symbols, game indicia, people, characters, places, things, facesof cards, dice, and any other images. The images may include a visualrepresentation or exhibition of the movement of objects such asmechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheel. The images may include avisual representation or exhibition of dynamic lighting, video images,or any other images.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include a top box 6 which sits ontop of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 may house any of a number ofdevices, which may be used to add features to a game being played on theEGM 2. These devices may include speakers 10 and 12, display device 45,and any other devices. Furthermore, the top box 6 may house different oradditional devices not illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B. For example,the top box may include a bonus wheel or a back-lit silk screened panelwhich may be used to add bonus features to the game being played on theEGM 2. As another example, the top box 6 may include a display for aprogressive jackpot offered on the EGM 2. As yet another example, thetop box 6 may include a smart card interaction device. During a game,these devices are controlled and powered, at least in part, by circuitry(e.g. a master gaming controller) housed within the main cabinet 4 ofthe EGM 2.

In some implementations, speakers 10 and 12 may be located in the topbox 6 of the upper region of EGM 2. The speakers 10 and 12 may bemounted with an angled orientation down towards the player and thefloor. In one example, the angle is 45 degrees with respect to thevertical, longitudinal axis of EGM 2. In another example, the angle isin a range of 30-60 degrees. In another example, the angle is any anglebetween 0 and 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle of speakersin the gaming machine may be adjustable. For instance, speakers may beadjusted to face in a direction more closely approximating an estimatedposition of a player's head or facial features.

The bill validator 30, player-input switches 32, display screen 34, andother gaming devices may be used to present a wager game on the EGM 2.The devices may be controlled by code executed by the master gamingcontroller housed inside the main cabinet 4 of the machine 2. The mastergaming controller may include one or more processors including generalpurpose and specialized processors, such as graphics cards, and one ormore memory devices including volatile and non-volatile memory. Themaster gaming controller may periodically configure and/or authenticatethe code executed on the EGM 2.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include a sound generating devicecoupled to one or more sounds cards. The sound generating device mayinclude one or more speakers or other sound generating hardware and/orsoftware for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primaryand/or secondary game or for other modes of the EGM 2, such as anattract mode. The EGM 2 may provide dynamic sounds coupled withattractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the displaydevices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwisedisplay full-motion video with sound to attract players to the EGM 2.During idle periods, the EGM 2 may display a sequence of audio and/orvisual attraction messages to attract potential players to the EGM 2.The videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriateinformation.

In some implementations, the EGM 2 may include a sensor, such as acamera that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a playeractively using the EGM 2 and/or the surrounding area of the EGM 2. Thesensor may be configured to capture biometric data about a player inproximity to the EGM 2. The biometric data may be used to implementmechanical and/or digital adjustments to the EGM 2. Alternately, oradditionally, the sensor may be configured to selectively acquire stillor moving (e.g., video) images. The display devices may be configured todisplay the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visiblemanifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion.For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and theprocessor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondarygame as a game image, symbol, animated avatar, or game indicia.

The EGM 2 is but one example from a wide range of gaming machine designson which the techniques described herein may be implemented. Forexample, not all suitable gaming machines have top boxes or playertracking features. Further, some gaming machines have only a singlewager game display, while others may have multiple displays.

FIG. 9 shows a system diagram of a server-based (Sb™) gaming network,configured in accordance with some implementations. Those of skill inthe art will realize that this architecture and the relatedfunctionality are merely examples and that the present disclosureencompasses many other such embodiments and methods.

Here, a casino computer room 720 and networked devices within a gamingestablishment 705 are illustrated. The Gaming establishment 705 isconfigured for communication with a central system 763 via a firewall740, a network 729 and a gateway 750. Gaming establishments 793, 795 and797 are also configured for communication with central system 763 viafirewalls 794, 796 and 798 respectively, the network 729 and the gateway750.

In some implementations, two or more gaming establishments may beconfigured for communication with one another. In this example, thegaming establishments 793 and 795 are configured for communication withthe casino computer room 720 in the gaming establishment 705. Such aconfiguration may allow devices and/or operators in the gamingestablishment 705 to communicate with and/or control devices in othercasinos. In some such implementations, a server in casino computer room720 may control devices in gaming establishments 705 as well as devicesin the gaming establishments 793 and 795. Conversely, devices and/oroperators in the gaming establishments 793 and 795 may communicate withand/or control devices in the gaming establishment 705.

For example, a server of the gaming establishment 705 or the centralsystem 763 may be provisioned with relatively more advanced software(e.g., 3-D facial recognition software) for patron identification thanservers of other networked locations. Such a server may process patronidentification requests from devices in the gaming establishment 705 aswell as patron identification requests from devices in the gamingestablishments 793 and 795.

Also as shown in FIG. 9, the gaming establishment 797 is configured forcommunication with central system 763, but is not configured forcommunication with other gaming establishments. Some gamingestablishments (not shown) may not be in communication with other gamingestablishments or with a central system.

The gaming establishment 705 includes multiple gaming machines 721 andnetworked gaming tables 753. It will be appreciated that a gamingestablishment may include hundreds or even thousands of gaming machines721 and/or gaming tables 753, some of which are connected in a bank andsome of which may not be connected to a network. At least some of thegaming machines 721 and/or mobile devices 770 may be “thin clients.”

Some configurations can provide automated, multi-player roulette,blackjack, baccarat, and other table games. The table games may beconducted by a dealer and/or by using some form of automation, which mayinclude an automated roulette wheel, an electronic representation of adealer, etc. In some such implementations, devices such as cameras,radio frequency identification devices, etc., may be used to identifyand/or track playing cards, chips, etc. Some of gaming tables 753 may beconfigured for communication with individual player terminals (notshown), which may be configured to accept bets, present an electronicrepresentation of a dealer, indicate game outcomes, etc.

Gaming establishment 705 also includes networked kiosks 777. Dependingon the implementation, kiosks 777 may be used for various purposes,including but not limited to cashing out, prize redemption, redeemingpoints from a player loyalty program, redeeming “cashless” indicia suchas bonus tickets, smart cards, etc. In some implementations, kiosks 777may be used for obtaining information about the gaming establishment,e.g., regarding scheduled events (such as tournaments, entertainment,etc.), regarding a patron's location, etc. Software related to suchfeatures may be provided and/or controlled, and related data may beobtained and/or provided, according to the present disclosure. Forexample, in some implementations of the disclosure, kiosks 777 may beconfigured to receive information from a patron, e.g., by presentinggraphical user interfaces.

In this example, each bank 710 has a corresponding switch 715, which maybe a conventional bank switch in some implementations. Each switch 715is configured for communication with one or more devices in the casinocomputer room 720 via main network device 725, which combines switchingand routing functionality in this example. Although variouscommunication protocols may be used, some preferred implementations usethe G2S Message Protocol. Other implementations may use the open,Ethernet-based SuperSAS® protocol, which is available from IGT. Stillother protocols, including but not limited to Best of Breed (“BOB”), maybe used to implement various embodiments of the disclosure. IGT has alsodeveloped a gaming-industry-specific transport layer called CASH thatrides on top of TCP/IP and offers additional functionality and security.

Here, gaming establishment 705 also includes an RFID network,implemented in part by RFID switches 719 and multiple RFID readers 717.An RFID network may be used, for example, to track objects (such asmobile devices 770, which include RFID tags 727 in this example),patrons, etc., in the vicinity of gaming establishment 705.

As noted elsewhere herein, some implementations of the disclosure mayinvolve “smart” player loyalty instruments, such as player trackingcards, which include an RFID tag. Accordingly, the location of suchRFID-enabled player loyalty instruments may be tracked via the RFIDnetwork. In this example, at least some of mobile devices 770 mayinclude an RFID tag 727, which includes encoded identificationinformation for the mobile device 770. Accordingly, the locations ofsuch tagged mobile devices 770 may be tracked via the RFID network ingaming establishment 705. Other location-detection devices and systems,such as the global positioning system (“GPS”), may be used to monitorthe location of people and/or devices in the vicinity of gamingestablishment 705 or elsewhere.

Various alternative network topologies can be used to implementdifferent embodiments of the disclosure and/or to accommodate varyingnumbers of networked devices. For example, gaming establishments withlarge numbers of gaming machines 721 may require multiple instances ofsome network devices (e.g., of main network device 725, which combinesswitching and routing functionality in this example) and/or theinclusion of other network devices not shown in FIG. 9. Someimplementations of the disclosure may include one or more middlewareservers disposed between kiosks 777, RFID switches 719 and/or bankswitches 715 and one or more devices in the casino computer room 720(e.g., a corresponding server). Such middleware servers can providevarious useful functions, including but not limited to the filteringand/or aggregation of data received from switches, from individualgaming machines and from other devices. Some implementations of thedisclosure include load-balancing methods and devices for managingnetwork traffic.

Storage devices 711, Sb™ server 730, License Manager 731, Arbiter 733,servers 732, 734, 736 and 738, host device(s) 760 and main networkdevice 725 are disposed within the casino computer room 720 of gamingestablishment 705. In practice, more or fewer devices may be used.Depending on the implementation, some such devices may reside in gamingestablishment 705 or elsewhere.

One or more devices in central system 763 may also be configured toperform, at least in part, tasks specific to the present disclosure. Forexample, one or more servers 762, arbiter 733, storage devices 764and/or host devices 760 of central system 763 may be configured toimplement the functions described in detail elsewhere herein. Thesefunctions may include, but are not limited to, providing functionalityfor devices such as wager gaming machines 721, mobile devices 770, etc.

One or more of the servers of casino computer room 720 may be configuredwith software for receiving a player's wager gaming notificationparameters, determining when a wagering condition corresponds with thewager gaming notification parameters and/or providing a notification tothe player when the wagering condition corresponds with the wager gamingnotification parameters. Moreover, one or more of the servers may beconfigured to receive, process and/or provide image data from cameras709, to provide navigation data to patrons (e.g., to indicate thelocation of and/or directions to a gaming table, a wager gaming machine,etc., associated with a wager gaming notification), etc.

For example, navigation data (which may include map data, casino layoutdata, camera image data, etc.) may be provided by one or more of theservers of casino computer room 720 to mobile devices 770. Someimplementations of the present disclosure include a plurality ofnetworked cameras 709, which may be video cameras, smart cameras,digital still cameras, etc. In some such implementations, such camerasmay provide, at least in part, real-time navigation.

Other devices that may be deployed in gaming establishment 705 do notappear in FIG. 9. For example, some gaming networks may include not onlyvarious radio frequency identification (“RFID”) readers 717, but alsoRFID switches, middleware servers, etc., some of which are not depictedin FIG. 9. These features may provide various functions. For example, aserver (or another device) may determine a location of a mobile device770 according to the location of an RFID reader that reads an RFID tag727.

The servers and other devices indicated in FIG. 9 may be configured forcommunication with other devices in or outside of gaming establishment705, such as host devices 760, kiosks 777 and/or mobile devices 770, forimplementing some methods described elsewhere herein. Servers (or thelike) may facilitate communications with such devices, receive and storepatron data, provide appropriate responses, etc., as described elsewhereherein.

Some of these servers may be configured to perform tasks relating toaccounting, player loyalty, bonusing/progressives, configuration ofgaming machines, etc. One or more such devices may be used to implementa casino management system, such as the IGT Advantage™ Casino Systemsuite of applications, which provides instantaneous information that maybe used for decision-making by casino managers. A Radius server and/or aDHCP server may also be configured for communication with the gamingnetwork. Some implementations of the disclosure provide one or more ofthese servers in the form of blade servers.

Some embodiments of Sb™ server 730 and the other servers shown in FIG. 9include (or are at least in communication with) clustered CPUs,redundant storage devices, including backup storage devices, switches,etc. Such storage devices may include a “RAID” (originally redundantarray of inexpensive disks, now also known as redundant array ofindependent disks) array, back-up hard drives and/or tape drives, etc.

In some implementations of the disclosure, many of these devices(including but not limited to License Manager 731, servers 732, 734,736, and 738, and main network device 725) are mounted in a single rackwith Sb™ server 730. Accordingly, many or all such devices willsometimes be referenced in the aggregate as an “Sb™ server.” However, inalternative implementations, one or more of these devices is incommunication with Sb™ server 730 and/or other devices of the networkbut located elsewhere. For example, some of the devices could be mountedin separate racks within casino computer room 720 or located elsewhereon the network. Moreover, it can be advantageous to store large volumesof data elsewhere via a storage area network (“SAN”).

The casino computer room 720 may include one or more operator consolesor other host devices that are configured for communication with otherdevices within and outside of casino computer room 720. Such hostdevices may be provided with software, hardware and/or firmware forimplementing various embodiments of the disclosure. However, such hostdevices need not be located within casino computer room 720. Wired hostdevices 760 (which are desktop and laptop computers in this example) andwireless mobile devices 770 may be located elsewhere in gamingestablishment 705 or at a remote location.

These and other aspects of the disclosure may be implemented by varioustypes of hardware, software, firmware, etc. For example, some featuresof the disclosure may be implemented, at least in part, bymachine-readable media that include program instructions, stateinformation, etc., for performing various operations described herein.Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such asproduced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that maybe executed by the computer using an interpreter. Examples ofmachine-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic mediasuch as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media suchas CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media; and hardware devices that arespecially configured to store and perform program instructions, such asread-only memory devices (“ROM”) and random access memory (“RAM”).

Any of the above implementations may be used alone or together with oneanother in any combination. Although various implementations may havebeen motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may bediscussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, theembodiments do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. Inother words, different implementations may address differentdeficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Someimplementations may only partially address some deficiencies or just onedeficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and someimplementations may not address any of these deficiencies.

While various implementations have been described herein, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present applicationshould not be limited by any of the implementations described herein,but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims andtheir equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A picture-in-picture mixer comprising: agaming machine video input configured to receive a gaming machine videosignal from a gaming machine; an external source video input configuredto receive an external source video signal from an external sourceseparate from the gaming machine and any components supported by ahousing of the gaming machine; and a picture-in-picture controllerconfigured to: create a composite video signal based on the externalsource video signal and the gaming machine video signal; transmit thecreated composite video signal to a display device of the gamingmachine; and responsive to receipt of touch screen input data from atouch screen of the gaming machine: responsive to the touch screen inputdata being associated with the gaming machine video signal, transmit,via a picture-in-picture control interface distinct from any playertracking component, the touch screen input data to a gaming machinecontroller of the gaming machine without transmitting the touch screeninput data to the external source; and responsive to the touch screeninput data being associated with the external source video signal,transmit, via a player user interface board interface distinct from anyplayer tracking component and distinct from the picture-in-picturecontrol interface, the touch screen input data to the external sourcewithout transmitting the touch screen input data to the gaming machinecontroller of the gaming machine.
 2. The picture-in-picture mixer ofclaim 1, wherein the picture-in-picture controller is further configuredto determine whether the touch screen input data is associated with thegaming machine video signal or the external source video signal.
 3. Thepicture-in-picture mixer of claim 1, wherein the external source videosignal comprises display data for an external source image and thegaming machine video signal comprises display data for a wagering gameimage.
 4. The picture-in-picture mixer of claim 3, wherein the compositevideo image comprises both the wagering game image and the externalsource image.
 5. The picture-in-picture mixer of claim 4, wherein thewagering game image is in a first window and the external source imageis in a second window.
 6. The picture-in-picture mixer of claim 5,wherein the touch screen input data is associated with a touch receivedat a position on the touch screen that corresponds to the first window,in which case the touch screen input data is associated with the gamingmachine video signal, or the second window, in which case the touchscreen input data is associated with the external source video signal.7. The picture-in-picture mixer of claim 1, wherein thepicture-in-picture controller is further configured to, responsive toreceipt of instructions from the gaming machine controller, create thecomposite video signal in accordance with the instructions.
 8. Thepicture-in-picture mixer of claim 7, further comprising apicture-in-picture control interface configured to receive theinstructions from the gaming machine controller.
 9. Thepicture-in-picture mixer of claim 1, wherein the picture-in-picturecontroller is further configured to, responsive to receipt ofinstructions from the external source, request approval from the gamingmachine controller to use the instructions and, responsive to receipt ofapproval, create the composite video signal in accordance with theinstructions.
 10. A gaming system comprising: a gaming machinecomprising: a housing; a display device supported by the housing; atouch screen supported by the housing, said touch screen configured toreceive touch inputs; a gaming machine controller configured to providea play of a wagering game; and a gaming machine video output configuredto transmit a gaming machine video signal; and a picture-in-picturemixer comprising: a gaming machine video input communicatively connectedto the gaming machine video output to receive the gaming machine videosignal; an external source video input configured to receive an externalsource video signal from an external source separate from the gamingmachine and any components supported by the housing of the gamingmachine; a picture-in-picture controller communicatively connected tothe gaming machine controller and configured to: create a compositevideo signal based on the external source video signal and the gamingmachine video signal; transmit the created composite video signal to thedisplay device; and responsive to receipt of touch screen input datafrom the touch screen: responsive to the touch screen input data beingassociated with the gaming machine video signal, transmit, via apicture-in-picture control interface distinct from any player trackingcomponent, the touch screen input data to the gaming machine controllerof the gaming machine without transmitting the touch screen input datato the external source; and responsive to the touch screen input databeing associated with the external source video signal, transmit, via aplayer user interface board interface distinct from any player trackingcomponent and distinct from the picture-in-picture control interface,the touch screen input data to the external source without transmittingthe touch screen input data to the gaming machine controller of thegaming machine.
 11. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein thepicture-in-picture controller is further configured to determine whetherthe touch screen input data is associated with the gaming machine videosignal or the external source video signal.
 12. The gaming system ofclaim 10, wherein the external source video signal comprises displaydata for an external source image and the gaming machine video signalcomprises display data for a wagering game image.
 13. The gaming systemof claim 12, wherein the composite video image comprises both thewagering game image and the external source image.
 14. The gaming systemof claim 13, wherein the wagering game image is in a first window andthe external source image is in a second window.
 15. The gaming systemof claim 14, wherein the touch screen input data is associated with atouch received at a position on the touch screen that corresponds to thefirst window, in which case the touch screen input data is associatedwith the gaming machine video signal, or the second window, in whichcase the touch screen input data is associated with the external sourcevideo signal.
 16. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein thepicture-in-picture controller is further configured to, responsive toreceipt of instructions from the gaming machine controller, create thecomposite video signal in accordance with the instructions.
 17. Thegaming system of claim 16, further comprising a picture-in-picturecontrol interface communicatively connected to the gaming machinecontroller and to the picture-in-picture controller to receive theinstructions from the gaming machine controller and transmit theinstructions to the picture-in-picture controller.
 18. The gaming systemof claim 10, wherein the picture-in-picture controller is furtherconfigured to, responsive to receipt of instructions from the externalsource, request approval from the gaming machine controller to use theinstructions and, responsive to receipt of approval, create thecomposite video signal in accordance with the instructions.
 19. A methodof operating a picture-in-picture mixer, the method comprising: creatinga composite video signal based on a received external source videosignal and a received gaming machine video signal, said external sourcevideo signal being received from an external source separate from agaming machine and any components supported by a housing of the gamingmachine; transmitting the composite video signal to a display device ofthe gaming machine; and responsive to receipt of touch screen input datafrom a touch screen of the gaming machine: responsive to the touchscreen input data being associated with the gaming machine video signal,transmitting, via a picture-in-picture control interface distinct fromany player tracking component, the touch screen input data to a gamingmachine controller of the gaming machine without transmitting the touchscreen input data to the external source; and responsive to the touchscreen input data being associated with the external source videosignal, transmitting, via a player user interface board interfacedistinct from any player tracking component and distinct from thepicture-in-picture control interface, the touch screen input data to theexternal source without transmitting the touch screen input data to thegaming machine controller of the gaming machine.
 20. The method of claim19, further comprising determining whether the touch screen input datais associated with the gaming machine video signal or the externalsource video signal.